An Open Label Trial to Investigate Macugen for the Preservation of Visual Function in Subjects With Neovascular AMD (PERSPECTIVES)

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government.
Read our disclaimer for details.

The purpose of this study is to determine the benefits of treating subjects with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at an earlier stage of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) as compared to those with established CNV. Additionally, the study would like to determine the efficacy of Macugen in preserving visual function in those subjects having CNV secondary to neovascular AMD.

A 102-Week, Open Label, Multicenter Trial To Investigate The Efficacy Of Macugen For The Preservation Of Visual Function In Subjects With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) And To Assess The Benefit Of Treating Early Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV).

Mean Change From Baseline Through Week 54 in Distance Visual Acuity (VA) in Subjects With Early and Established CNV Lesions [ Time Frame: Baseline through Week 54 ]

The investigator assessed the best-corrected VA obtained by a protocol refraction using the retroilluminated modified Ferris-Bailey Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts recorded at a 2-meter distance from the chart. Distance VA was expressed as an ETDRS score (number of letters correctly read): the proportion of subjects losing >=30 letters or <15 letters from Baseline, gaining >=0 or >=15 letters from Baseline. The mean change in VA from Baseline at Week 54 was assessed.

Secondary Outcome Measures :

Mean Change From Baseline in Distance VA in Subjects With Early and Established CNV Lesions [ Time Frame: Baseline through Week 102, Week 54 through Week 102 ]

The investigator assessed the best-corrected VA obtained by a protocol refraction using the retroilluminated modified Ferris-Bailey ETDRS charts recorded at a 2-meter distance from the chart. Distance VA was expressed as an ETDRS score (number of letters correctly read): the proportion of subjects losing >=30 letters or <15 letters, gaining >=0 or >=15 letters. The mean changes in VA from Baseline/Week 102 and Week 52/102 were assessed.

Mean Change From Baseline in Near VA in Subjects With Early and Established CNV Lesions [ Time Frame: Baseline through Week 54, Baseline through Week 102 ]

Near VA was measured with the modified Bailey-Lovie near-word reading charts at a distance of 25 centimeters using a +3.50 reading addition worn over the protocol refraction providing the best-corrected distance VA. The reading charts test the smallest word size identifiable from 0.0 logarithmic of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to 1.6 logMAR. logMAR is the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. The ideal is 0.0 and represents 20/20 Snellen acuity. logMAR values >0.00 indicate vision poorer than ideal and values <0.0 indicate vision greater than ideal.

For assessment of reading speed, subjects were asked to read a print steadily, without stopping or interruption, at a comfortable pace. On commencing reading, a timer was activated. The timer was stopped when the subject had finished reading all of the words on the chart or at 2 minutes, whichever was sooner. Only the total number of words read correctly was recorded. The time recorded for the reading speed test was the time required for the subject to finish reading all of the words on the chart in minutes and seconds (maximum 2 minutes).

Contrast sensitivity was measured using the Pelli-Robson chart at 1 meter. Subjects were tested for contrast sensitivity using +0.50 addition over the protocol refraction providing the best-corrected distance VA. Contrast sensitivity was recorded as the log of the faintest triplet for which 2 of the 3 letters were read correctly.

The EQ-5D is a validated, standardized QoL instrument assessing general health status based on the preference of a UK general population. It consists of two sections: a 100-point visual analog scale (VAS) and a descriptive system that contains five attributes (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain or discomfort, and anxiety or depression) with three levels per attribute ("no problem", "some problems" and "extreme problems"). A subject's responses to these domains were mapped to a corresponding score of the EQ-5D index.

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.

Layout table for eligibility information

Ages Eligible for Study:

50 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Evidence of neovascular AMD in at least one eye. In subjects with bilateral neovascular AMD, only one eye would be eligible for enrollment

Baseline visual acuity of greater than or equal to 20/320, or better than 25 ETDRS letters in the study eye

Exclusion Criteria:

Previous treatment for CNV secondary to AMD, including any prior PDT with verteporfin, thermal laser photocoagulation, external beam radiation or transpupillary thermotherapy to the study eye

Subjects having subfoveal fibrosis/ scar or atrophy representing > 25% of the total lesion size